Ghoom Monastery, West Bengal

Popularly known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, the Ghoom Monastery is situated at a height of 8000 ft. and at a distance of 8 km from Darjeeling. Belonging to the Yellow Hat Sect, this monastery is known for the 15 feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha, while the beautiful paintings adorn the walls of this monastery.

Constructed in 1850, the outer structure was established by Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, a well known monk and a Mongolian astrologer who also remained the administrative head of his monastery. The statue that lies inside this place is of the future Buddha. 60 monks can be easily accommodated in this monastery and it has also preserved some ancient manuscripts of Buddhist religion.

People who are religiously inclined, keep this place on their must visit list because calm ambiance of this place helps them in connecting with Buddha. Devotees in large numbers throng this place every month on fifteenth, according to the Tibetan calendar.